Hey I'm new here. I lately have been looking for a dog. I'm located in the burbs, nice sice backyard. I already have a 10 n a half year old golden retreiver. She's very mellow, but hyper at times. Well the typical older golden retreiver. For some time now we've been thinking about getting a new dog. A smaller dog because we didn't want a puppy (like a lab or golden or somethin) to get bigger and want to play with my older dog all the time. It would irratate her hips and eventually would just always be mad.

Anyways we started looking for a more mellow type of dog. Not much luck, and some dogs just seem too small for our house. I just can't see myself having a golden and a Dachsuand (spell check) in the same house. Lately I've also been thinking about getting a Basset Hound. But I've played with two at puppy stores and they were just INSANE. Like the worst dogs I l've looked at yet, they bit my arm up so bad I was bleeding. Now I know that isn't typical for Bassets so I figure it's probably because it's in a puppy shop and you dont' know where they get those dogs/ what they do to them. Anyways I guess I kinda need some help. What type of dogs are good ones to get for my situation. And if a Basset is a good choice should I maybe look for a shelter that has some that are already trained and not puppys. Because I've heard they are very stubborn dogs sometimes. Any suggestions? They'd be greatly appreciated....

try taking your golden to the HS and shelters. maybe there will be ad og that will just click witrh you and your dog. mixes are always cute and you can find them in any size lol you could find the dog your looking for there!

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Thank you Vivien and Angel Chicken for the siggy! Also I have been frosted!!! And as of 9/13/07 I know the secret handshake!

I'd go to the shelter and adopt an adult dog. That way, you'll pass the hyper puppy stage. You don't necessarily have to go by breed, just pick based on the kind of temperament the dog has. Also, I recommend getting a male. Two dogs of the opposite sex usually get along the best.

yoko gave fantastic advise.
I would look for another dog at a shelter and perhaps take the new dog out for walks with your Golden. Some shelters will even allow you to do overnights (if they know you )
I too have an old dog and fostered a Shepherd mix. I thought it would be a bad combination but the new rescue dog is very mellow and contientious around the older dog. She even lays down beside the old girl and licks her ears to soothe her. I ended up keeping this foster, 2 years old and will play and run with me. But, she is very gentle around the old girl.

With an adult dog and getting from rescue you can be sure to get the perfect choice. Some shelters will help you with your decision. I found you can "see" the relationship the first day the 2 dogs meet